Absurd Goalie Monday: Cleon Daskalakis

This week's AGM is a guy who really went through the wringer of Boston hockey, playing from bottom to the top for his position. Though he did get to play of his hometown teams, he didn't stay in the limelight for long. Maybe because of that, his post-playing ventures made sure that people who deserve the limelight get it for the right cause. This week, the profile of Cleon Daskalakis.

While Daskalakis started his career in the New England Junior League for the South Shore Bears in the 1979-80 season, he wasn't noticed until the 1980-81 season when he joined the Boston University Terriers-- playing eight games that season with a 4-2-0 record; as well as playing three games in the 1981 World Juniors with Team USA. Daskalakis returned to Boston University in the 1981-82 season, appearing in 20 games and going 9-6-3. The breakout seasons for Daskalakis would be his junior and senior seasons at BU, playing in 24 games during the 1982-83 season (15-7-1) and 35 games in the 1983-84 season (25-10-0). In the 1983-84 season, Daskalakis got NCAA East First All-American Team, ECAC First All-Star Team, and ECAC Player of the Year honors. 

His stock soaring, the Boston Bruins signed Daskalakis on June 1, 1984. Daskalakis spent the majority of the 1984-85 season in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, appearing 30 times and putting up a 9-13-4 record (plus being on the team that won the Calder Cup), while also appearing in eight games for the Bruins and finishing there with a 1-2-1 record. In the 1985-86 season, Daskalakis played the majority of the time in the AHL-- this time with the Moncton Golden Flames, going 19-14-6 record and then 4-1 in six playoff games; as well as going 0-2-0 in two appearances with the Bruins. Daskalakis ended up back in Moncton in the 1986-87 season, going 8-14-0 in 27 games-- plus putting up a 2-0-0 record in two games with Boston. 

With his contract expiring with Boston, the 1987-88 season became a whirlwind minor league hockey tour for Daskalakis, as he would play in the AHL with three different teams: three games for the Hershey Bears (1-1-0), six games for the Binghamton Whalers (2-2-1), and eight games for the Rochester Americans (4-3-0) before making a tour of the IHL with the Milwaukee Admirals for nine games (1-5-3). 

Daskalakis decided to try his hand overseas, playing the 1988-89 season with Jokerit Helsinki for 21 games, helping them win the Finnish Second League Championship, as well as playing in one game for Team USA in the World Championships before deciding to hang up the pads for good. In 1990, Daskalakis was named to the ECAC Goaltender of the Decade for the 1980s. In 1994, Daskalakis was inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame. 

After his playing career, Daskalakis started up Celebrity Marketing Incorporated, which helps develop the "brand" and marketing aspect of sports figures to a wider variety of people. The Celebrities for Charity Foundation, which was helped along by Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, which helps celebrities maximize their charitable efforts, as well as bringing more attention to the charities themselves. 

Daskalakis was a local boy who made good and made it to the ultimate pinnacle, playing for his hometown team. While he didn't stay for the length he wanted to, the fact he got the chance to do something many others didn't is something to hang his hat on. Yet, from his experiences he has been able to give out to others in not only getting exposure for players, but getting exposures for places that need a hand-up. 

Better Know Your Olympic Hopeful Nations

The list for hopeful Olympic hockey nations are out for the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia-- and boy howdy is it quite the list, male and female alike. Now, for the men's side of things-- the top-nine team in the IIHF ranks automatically qualify, while the women's side have the top-six already in. That leaves only three spots for the men's side and two spots for the women's side to get spots.

The men's side has 32 countries that have declared for the Games-- leaving 23 countries vying for three spots. The women's side has 24 countries declared, 18 countries for two spots there. These are the 2011 Final Rankings and could be close to what we see for the 2012 Final Rankings. Click to enlarge (that's what she said??)

So, while the list is pretty straight-forwards-- the wide array of interesting markets could be intriguing to some, especially if we get some kind of upset special in one of these qualification rounds. For the women's side-- you can bet the Asian nations of China and Japan are always up there when it comes to getting into the Olympics, but never sleep on the Germans or Kazakhs either. If you want to go really out there-- I wouldn't sleep on Hungary either. They dominated the U18's this year, boosting themselves to the top level, which could play out well for qualifications.

The men's side could be a little more crazy, especially depending on how the top-nine play out. Sure, we can pretty much pencil in the top six-- yet, those 7 through 9 and the other three could get crazy-- especially in the qualifying round. The Belarussians are always hard and would want to play close to home, the Kazakhs are always a dark horse and would have the proximity motivation, but France and Denmark could also play the role of spoilers in all of this. Latvia and Slovakia are the stalwarts, too-- but you know one crazy bounce and it all changes.

There's one more tournament to go, the World Championship, which will probably make or break some nation's hope for an easy in to the Olympics. Considering there's already 16 teams there, there's a lot that could get shuffled around very quickly should a slip-up happen. Still-- we're two years away and the Olympic hype is already getting started.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Markus Mattsson

When the WHA came into the landscape in the 1970s, it gave me chances for players, mostly goalies, as well as giving the chance for international players to start off their career. That's what happened with this week's AGM, who broke in with the WHA from his native Finland before making a push at a NHL career. This week, the profile of Markus Mattsson.

Mattsson started is career off in his homeland, Finland, playing for Ilves Tampere from the 1973-74 season until the 1976-77 season. During that time as well, Mattsson played for Finland in international competitions, like the European Junior Championships (1974 and 1976), the World Junior Championships (1975), and in the inaugural Canada Cup in 1976 before moving his career forward.

In the summer of 1977, Mattsson was drafted by the New York Islanders in the NHL Draft and the Houston Aeros in the WHA Draft. Mattsson chose the WHA route, but he would be traded from Houston to the Winnipeg Jets in June and play a total of ten games (4-5-0) with the Jets in two stints-- as Mattsson was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, playing there for six games (1-3-0) before being traded back to Winnipeg at the end of the 1977-78 season. Also that season, Mattsson played two games for the Central League's Tulsa Oilers, going 1-1-0 in that brief time. The 1978-79 season settled down for Mattsson, who stuck with the Jets to play for 52 games that season, going 25-21-3.

As the Jets moved to the NHL, Mattsson moved with them, even though he was reclaimed by the Islanders, but then re-reclaimed by the Jets. For the 1979-80 season, Mattsson played 21 games for the Jets with a 5-11-4 record, while going into the Central League with Tulsa going 10-7-2 in 20 games. Mattsson would spend more time with Winnipeg in the 1980-81 season, but with a worse record-- finishing with a 3-21-4 record in 31 games, while playing five games in Tulsa with a 3-2-0 record. Though, Mattsson played in the 1981 Canada Cup, but he went 0-2-0 in two games before the 1981-82 season, where he's played in Tulsa all season, compiling 26-23-0 record in 50 games.

Mattsson signed with the Minnesota North Stars before the 1982-83 season, going 1-1-0 in two games. He'd spend most that season with the Central League's Birmingham South Stars, playing in 28 games and finishing with a 17-10-0 record of that season.

In February of 1983, the North Stars traded Mattsson to the Los Angeles Kings for a Draft pick. To close out the 1982-83 season with the Kings, Mattsson played in 19 games with a 5-5-4 record. Mattsson would split the 1983-84 season with the Kings and their AHL affiliate, the New Haven Nighthawks. In Los Angeles, Mattsson went 7-8-2 in 19 games, while in New Haven, Mattsson finished with a 16-10-1 record while appearing in 31 games.

After that, Mattsson would move back to Finland to play for Tappara Tampere from the 1984-85 season until he retired after the 1986-87 season.

While he still is the goalie who stopped Wayne Gretzky's 51-game point streak, he never seemed to get a chance to make a mark in front of a big audience. Mattsson played behind some of the worse defenses and offenses out there, which didn't help him much. Yet, luckily, because of the WHA, he was able to get his break in North America and leave his mark in the hockey aspect of things.

World Juniors Time Again

While I could go ahead and do a preview, team-by-team, of the 2012 World Junior Championship in Alberta-- I'm not that kind of guy. Plus, the fact you can get them anywhere in a number of places-- not too much my style. This is a tournament could be second to the Olympics when it comes to national pride. Especially for Canada. 

This is a tournament that is always hyped up around the hockey world and really gets a solid focus, unless the World Championships, which gets lost in the NHL Playoffs; thus making it hard for people in North America to have that same pride because their club team could still be in it and the access to the games aren't always there. 

For the players, this is a big chance for them, considering some of them are draft eligible and want to show off their wears to the NHL world in hopes of getting drafted. For some of them, it could be the only time they get to represent their country on such a stage; making them want to give their all for such an event. 

The kids themselves will have to deal with a lot of pressure. The Canadians will be on home ice, and with the team not having won a Gold in two tournaments, losing both of the last two championship games-- Don Hay and his squad will have to worry about not only playing well, but making sure the local media doesn't get to be too much for them. The defending champions in Russia will be playing with heavy hearts due to the Lokomotiv tragedy this summer, losing two of their top players-- but this year, they have a top squad and are primed to repeat. The USA is a team that last won the Gold in Canada and should have a solid squad, despite many of the cut players not enjoying their time or thinking it's fair. You can never forget the Scandinavian contingent of Sweden and Finland would could really throw a wreck in the spokes of a top contender. Plus, you can always have a "Cinderella" of the Czech, Slovaks, Swiss, Latvians, or Danes-- but don't count much on it. 

The fact of the matter is that the holiday tradition is one that always get plenty of attention, whether it's to see the future of the NHL coming up, country pride, or just to have some frantic moments that will give some a break for their NHL teams that may not be doing so well-- it's an event that always seems to bring out the Olympic-like support year after year. This year should be another exciting tournament, so I hope somehow you can find a way to watch. 

Absurd Goalie Monday: Daryl Reaugh

I'm quite surprised I haven't gotten to this week's entry sooner. He has a bigger presence in his post-career life than he did during his career. Even so, if not for the experience in the pros that he had, he may not be as good on the mic as he is now. Yet, one big injury shortened his career, though allowed him to get to the booth sooner than usual, which benefits fans ten-fold. This week, the career of Daryl Reaugh.

Reaugh started it off with the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL starting in the 1982-83 season, but would move to the WHL's Kamloops Jr. Oilers starting in the 1983-84 season; putting together a 34-10-0 record in 55 games, then going 14-3 in 17 playoff games, helping the Jr. Oilers to the WHL Championship. Reaugh went 1-2 in the Memorial Cup, as well. During the 1984 Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected Reaugh in the second round; but he would play again in Kamloops, posting a 36-8-1 record in 49 games and 10-5 in the playoffs, losing in the Finals. Reaugh was awarded First All-Star Team honors for the WHL West.

During that 1984-85 season, Reaugh played one game with Edmonton, a loss, and would join the organization in the 1985-86 season with the Nova Scotia Oilers of the AHL. Reaugh had a 15-18-4 record in that first year while playing 38 games. The 1986-87 season saw Reaugh get into 46 games and finishing with a 19-22-0 record and 0-2 in two playoff appearances. The 1987-88 season had Reaugh bouncing everywhere. He would play in Nova Scotia for eight games (2-5-0) and for the IHL's Milwaukee Admirals for nine games (0-8-0), but would spend the majority of his time in Edmonton with the Oilers, dressing for 60 games, but playing in only six (1-1-0).

Reaugh dressed enough for the Oilers that year that he received a Stanley Cup ring for the Oilers' victory and was included in the team picture, but did not get his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.

The 1988-89 season was an interesting one for Reaugh. First, he started out with the Cape Breton Oilers, but would move over to Finland to play with Karpat Oulu for 13 games and going 7-5-1, then returned to Cape Breton. With Cape Breton, Reaugh went 3-10-0 that entire season.

Reaugh signed with the Hartford Whalers in the summer of 1989, but would spend most of the 1989-90 with the Binghamton Whalers of the AHL, playing in 52 games and ending with a dismal 8-31-6 record for the season. Reaugh would split his 1990-91 season between Hartford and with the Springfield Indians, who relocated from Binghamton. In Springfield, Reaugh went 7-6-3 in 16 games, while in Hartford-- Reaugh went 7-7-1 in 20 games, but would have his season end abruptly as his catching hand was skated over by an opponent's skate. Reaugh was back in Springfield for the 1991-92 season, playing on 22 games and finishing with a 3-12-2 record.

There was little work for Reaugh in the 1992-93 season, as he would play only one games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL that season, which was a no-decision. The 1993-94 season had Reaugh in the ECHL wth the Dayton Bombers for four games (1-3-0) before a severe hamstring injury would end his career at age 28.

Yet, Reaugh was able to get back into the game easily, first contributing to the play-by-play spot in Dayton after his injury Then, he would become the Dallas Stars color commentator in 1996, a position he still holds today; as well as blogging for the team's site.. Along with that, Reaugh has been a contributor for the Versus Network, NBC, ESPN, ABC, Fox, and EA Sports. This season, Reaugh will also contribute to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for the late broadcasts. Reaugh has great comedic timing in the booth, as well as being a very articulate broadcaster with catch-phrases for days....whatever that means.

While severe injuries cut his time in the pros short, at least he was able to get back on his feet just after his career did end. There was a lot of promise, but it just seemed fate wasn't there for him. He did have a couple championships to his credit, though, and you can't take that away from him.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Kevin Hodson

There are many times where a guy falls into good fortunes and sometimes where guys make their own good fortunes. It seems that this week's AGM had a little bit of both during his playing career. While he made a name for himself on the junior stage; he fell into greatness on the NHL stage to start off with, then had some troubles getting any ice time from there. This week, the profile of Kevin Hodson.

Hodson got started off with his hometown Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior "A" league before he moved on with the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds starting in the 1990-91 season, where Hodson would play 30 games and finished off with a 18-11-0 record; then went 9-1 in ten playoff games on way to helping the Greyhounds to the OHL Championship. However, Hodson would go 0-1 in two Memorial Cup games. The 1991-92 season saw Hodson get more game time in with the Greyhounds, going 28-12-4 in 50 games; then going 12-6 in 18 playoff games to help the Greyhounds to a second straight OHL Championship. In the 1992 Memorial Cup, Hodson went 3-1, with the only loss coming in the Championship game.

In August of 1992, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Hodson to a contract, but stuck him in the IHL with the Indianapolis Ice. With the Ice, Hodson went 5-9-0 in 14 games before the Blackhawks sent him back to the OHL and the Greyhounds. Back with the Hounds, Hodson went 18-5-2 in 26 games, then going 11-2 in the playoffs, though the Hounds would lose to Peterborough in the OHL Championship series. Yet, with Sault Ste. Marie hosting the Memorial Cup, they would get into the tournament and Hodson would go 3-0-1 and allowed the Greyhounds to win the Memorial Cup in their third try. Hodson took home the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Goaltender in the Memorial Cup, the Memorial Cup All-Star Team, then the OHL All-Star team as well.

Hodson would sign with the Detroit Red Wings before the 1993-94 season, but would be placed in the AHL with the Adirondack Red Wings. Hodson would get in 37 games and post a 20-10-5 record in the regular season, before going 0-2 in three playoff games. The 1994-95 season saw Hodson able to get into 51 games and finish 19-22-8 record, but only go 0-4 in four playoff games. Back in Adirondack in the 1995-96 season, Hodson would 13-13-2 in 32 games, then 0-2 in three playoff games. Hodson would also get into four games with Detroit, going 2-0-0 in his time there.

Detroit kept Hodson up on the team in the 1996-97 season as a third goalie, which limited him to only six games all season for Detroit, finishing with a 2-2-1 record. However, thanks to him staying up on the roster all year, the Red Wings petitioned and got Hodson's name on the Stanley Cup when they won it that summer. Hodson did get two games in the IHL that season with the Quebec Rafales and end with a 1-1-0 record. In the 1997-98 season, Hodson was the back-up for the season and get into 21 games, finishing with a 9-3-3 record and saw 16 seconds of ice time in the playoffs, as the Red Wings would win the Stanley Cup yet again. The 1998-99 season had Hodson seeing limited time in Detroit, playing on four games with only a 0-2-0 record; then being sent down to Adirondack-- playing in six games finishing with a 1-3-2 record before getting on the move.

At the trade deadline in 1999, Hodson and a draft pick was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Wendel Clark, Bill Ranford, and a draft pick. In five games at the end of the season, Hodson went 2-1-1. Hodson would be back in Tampa for the 1999-2000 season, but would appear in most of his 24 games in relief, finishing with a 2-7-4 record. He would get sent down to the IHL's Detroit Vipers for nine games, finishing 2-6-0 record there.

Hodson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in June of 2000, but would not play with the Canadiens or their affiliates, pretty much being inactive for a coupe years.

Hodson would return to the NHL when he re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2002-03 season, but only appear in seven games with a 0-3-1 record before deciding to hang-up the pads in January of 2003 when the Bolts brought in John Grahame from Boston.

The retirement didn't last too long, as Hodson signed with the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL in August of 2003, but did not make the squad out of camp. In November of 2003, Hodson went to Finland, signing for Jokerit. Hodson would appear in only three games, finishing with a 1-1-1 record before hanging up the pads for good.

After his career, Hodson went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie and is now working as a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments.

While he didn't have the greatest NHL career, it was mostly because he wasn't able to get enough games in; but was valuable enough to be kept on a good team as insurance. It got him some good hardware in the end and some valuable experiences. Even so, he had enough sense to go back to school and make the most of his life after hockey; even if he's not directly related to the game anymore.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Darrin Madeley

With the amount of players jumping for college hockey to the major junior route, this week's AGM didn't go that way. He had an outstanding career in college; but he wasn't a part of the trend of college goalies going on to surprise and astound in the NHL ranks. This week, the profile of Darrin Madeley.

Starting off, Madeley played in Junior "C" in Ontario with the Bradford Blues in the 1984-85 season where he played in 10 games and went 7-2-0 in ten games that season. The 1985-86 season had Madeley back in Bradford for four games, going 2-1-0; while also going up to Junior "A" with the Newmarket Flyers for three games, going 0-1-0 in those games. The 1986-87 season had Madeley move on to the Richmond Hill Dynes of the Junior "A" Ontario League, where he would play in 14 games and go 6-9-1. The 1987-88 and 1988-89 season had Madeley drop down to the Junior "B" side with Richmond Hill, playing in 59 games over those two seasons, but no record is available.

Madeley moved onto the NCAA ranks at Lake Superior State for the 1989-90 season, where he would play in 30 games and compile a 21-7-1 record, which was able to get him CCHA Second-Team All-Star accolades. The 1990-91 season was great for Madeley and Lake Superior State, as Madeley would go 29-3-3 in 36 games, while Lake Superior State would go on to win the CCHA, but go down in the NCAA Tournament. However, Madeley gathered up CCHA First-Team All-Star honors, NCAA West First-Team All-American honors, as well as NCAA All-Tournament Team honors. The pinnacle for Madeley was the 1991-92 season, where he went 23-6-4, but him and Lake Superior State went on to win the CCHA again, as well as taking the NCAA Championship over Wisconsin in the Final. Madeley again had CCHA First-Team All-Star, NCAA-West First-Team All American, and NCAA All-Tournament team for a second straight season.

Coming off the high of his performances in college, Madeley made the jump to the pros, signing with the Ottawa Senators, becoming one of the first Senators to come to the team via free agency. Madeley made two appearances with Ottawa in the 1992-93 season, losing both games; before he would be sent down to the AHL's New Haven Senators-- playing in 41 games with a 10-16-9 record on that team, which enabled him to take home AHL Second-Team All-Star honors. The 1993-94 season had Madeley stay in Ottawa for the majority of the season; being able to get into 32 games for Ottawa and finishing off with a 3-18-5 record, while going 0-4-0 in six games with the AHL's PEI Senators. The traveling for the 1994-95 season was the story for Madeley, playing in the IHL for the Detroit Vipers for nine games (7-2-0), then going to the PEI Senators for three games (1-1-1), then finishing the season with Ottawa, going 1-3-0 in five games in that season.

The 1995-96 season saw Madeley in the IHL with Detroit for the majority of the season, getting him 40 appearances and finishing off with 16-14-4 record in the end, while going 3-3 in seven playoff games. Madeley would win his only game with the PEI Senators.

Madeley signed a contract with the San Jose Sharks just before the 1996-97 season, while it landed him in the AHL with the Saint John Flames where he would play 46 games and go 11-18-11, while playing with the Detroit Vipers for four games going 2-0-0 on the season.

For the 1997-98 season, Madeley tried his hand at international play, going over to Finland to play with TPS Turku. That would only last for two games, going 1-0-0 before returning to North America. The Richmond Renegades of the ECHL signed Madeley, where he would play five games with a 1-1-0 record. Madeley went back overseas in the 1998-99 season to play in Germany for Star Bulls Mannheim for three games before returning to North America and the ECHL, but with the Pensacola Ice Pilots, going 12-16-3 in 32 games before he would hang up his pads.

After his playing career, Madeley went onto the coaching ranks, where he is the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Hockey at Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois.

He had his success in college, but because of the whole debacle of going to an expansion team; which stifled his possible success in the professional ranks. Though you have to wonder with all the personal accomplishments, would he gives those up for team success in the pros or would he keep all of that because of what became of him when he made the move?? Maybe we'll never know.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Mike O'Neill

With the Winnipeg Jets showing their new identity, what better chance to review the career of another Jet goalie, right?? However, while most of his appearances were in relief, he did have a decent amount of time in Winnipeg. Yet, the one thing he does share with the new Winnipeg Jets-- no wins in the NHL yet. This week, the profile of Mike O'Neill.

The Montreal native forged his way with Midget AAA with the Lac St-Louis Lions starting in the 1982-83 season, playing in 20 games that season with a 7-8-5 record. The 1983-84 season saw O'Neill have a better go, finishing with a 13-7-2 record in 22 games with the Lions.

After spending a year at Lower Canada College, O'Neill moved to Yale University for the 1985-86 season. O'Neill was slowly worked in at Yale, going 3-1-0 in six games during that first season; but would get increased time in the 1986-87 season, playing in 16 games with a 9-6-1 record-- taking home ECAC First-Team All-Star honors. As he took over the starting role in the 1987-88 season, O'Neill's number slipped, going only 6-17-0 in 24 games-- but it was enough for the Winnipeg Jets to pick O'Neill in the 1988 Supplemental Draft. With a team behind him, O'Neill bounced back for his season season in the 1988-89 campaign, going 10-14-1 in 25 games, which was enough for O'Neill to get yet another ECAC First-Team All-Star honors and NCAA East First All-American Team.....though it's odd since he's Canadian.

While his college career was over, O'Neill didn't jump to the North American professional ranks right after that. Instead, he went overseas to play in Finland with Tappara Tampere in the 1989-90 season and got plenty of playing time, going 23-13-5 in 41 games, then going 3-4 in the playoffs.

O'Neill returned to North America for the 1990-91 season, starting off with the IHL's Fort Wayne Komets and playing in eight games (5-2-1) before making the move to the AHL's Moncton Hawks for 30 games and going 13-7-6 in the regular season, while going 3-4 in eight playoff games. The 1991-92 season had O'Neill traveling a lot, starting off in Fort Wayne for 33 games and a 22-6-3 record, then he would spend a game in Winnipeg, coming on in relief for a game. The end of the season had O'Neill setting in Moncton, posting a 14-16-2 record in the regular season, then went 4-7 in 11 playoff games. The 1992-93 season had O'Neill start off in Moncton, playing for 30 games with a 13-10-4 record before getting the call-up to Winnipeg-- playing in two games and going 0-0-1 before having to miss the rest of the season due to shoulder surgery in February. When O'Neill came back in the 1993-94 season, he went through another whirlwind traveling schedule, starting off in Fort Wayne and finishing with a 4-4-3 record in 11 games before he moved onto Moncton, going 8-4-0 in 12 appearances. Finally, O'Neill got the call to Winnipeg to back-up former AGMs Bob Essensa and Tim Cheveldae-- appearing in 17 games and posting up a dismal 0-9-1 record.

The 1994-95 season had O'Neill stuck in the IHL, first with Fort Wayne, playing for 28 games with a 11-12-4 record before he was traded to the Phoenix Roadrunners. With Phoenix, O'Neill had a 13-4-4 record in 21 games, then a 4-5 record in nine playoff games.

O'Neill signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and was sent to the AHL's Baltimore Bandits for the 1995-96 season. O'Neill had plenty of playing time in Baltimore, playing 74 games and finishing with a 31-31-7 record, then going 6-6 in 12 playoff games. O'Neill got a small shot with Anaheim, but came in for a game as a replacement for Mikhail Shtalenkov. O'Neill stayed in the Anaheim organization, but was shifted to the IHL and the Long Beach Ice Dogs, where he'd play 45 games and finish with a 26-12-6 record.

For the 1997-98 season, O'Neill signed with the Washington Capitals, but spent that season with the Portland Pirates-- playing in 47 games and compiling with a 16-18-10 record, then finishing with a 2-3 record in six playoff contests.

With no jobs in the 1998-99 season in North America, O'Neill had to sign in Austria with EC Villacher SV, who played in the Swiss league. He would play in 42 games and finished with a 2.46 GAA on the season.

O'Neill would return to North America for the 1999-2000 season, signing a deal with the Los Angeles Kings, but would be placed in the IHL, first with the Michigan K-Wings for four games (1-1-0), then was moved to the Long Beach Ice Dogs, where he would go 7-12-5 in 25 games, and suffer a loss in his only playoff game.

No opportunities in North America, O'Neill once again went overseas, this time with the Sheffield Steelers of the British Hockey League where he played in 30 games, finishing with a 2.39 GAA and aided the Steelers winning the B&H Cup (held at the beginning of the season), the Challenge Cup (held during the season), the League Championship, and Playoff Championship-- the Grand Slam of British Hockey championships.

O'Neill would retire after that season and his whereabouts are unknown after his retirement.

While it seemed he was able to get things going in the IHL, O'Neill's struggled in the AHL, with some fairly bad teams, and didn't get a chance in the NHL past a back-up. Though, he was able to see the world in North America and then overseas-- but just couldn't seem to get as successful in the other leagues as he did in the IHL and overseas.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Tom Askey

With a small trend of hockey players going in the music direction, this week's AGM follows that kind of ideal. While he didn't have the best college career, has small sip of tea in the NHL, his minor league durability made him endearing to many people. Now, without hockey-- he's on the music scene. This week, the profile of Tom Askey.

Askey played with the Wheatfield Blades of the Empire Junior League before he would move onto the college ranks. Askey would start for The Ohio State Buckeyes in his freshman season in 1992-93, but wouldn't fair well-- putting up a 2-19-0 record in 25 games. That didn't deter the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, who picked Askey in the 1993 NHL Draft in the eighth round. The 1993-94 season wasn't any better at OSU, as Askey would go 3-19-4 in 27 games; while in the 1994-95 season, Askey posted a 4-19-2 record in 26 games. Askey would improve his record for his senior season in 1995-96 and by more than one win-- 8-11-4 in 26 games, getting him CCHA Second Team All-Star honors.

Askey moved along to the pro ranks in the 1996-97 season, playing with the Baltimore Bandits of the AHL and getting in 40 games and finishing with a 17-18-2 record. Also, Askey was called by USA Hockey to play in the World Championships, winning his only game he played in.

The Bandits would move to Cincinnati and become the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, where Askey would spend most of the 1997-98 season, going 10-16-4 in 32 games; but then being called up to Anaheim late in the season-- appearing in seven games with an 0-1-2 record. For the 1998-99 season, Askey was back in Cincinnati, where he would play 53 games and put up a 21-22-3 record, then an 0-3 record in the playoffs. Askey also went to Anaheim for one playoff games in the 1998 playoffs; a loss.

The 1999-2000 season had Askey IHL bound, splitting his time between the Kansas City Blades for 13 games (3-5-3) and the Houston Aeros for 13 games (4-7-1), as well.

However, when Askey signed with the Rochester Americans in the summer of 2000, he seemed to find a home, as he would go 15-8-4 in the 2000-01 season and 0-1 in the playoffs; but also won the Hap Holmes Trophy with Mika Noronen for fewst goals-against. That was enough for the Americans' parent club-- the Buffalo Sabres-- to sign him in the summer of 2001. Askey would stay in Rochester for the 2001-02 season, playing in 34 games and having a 16-15-4 record. The 2002-03 season saw future Sabres come into Rochester, most notably Ryan Miller-- which would cut Askey's workload more-so, only getting in 16 games that year with a 3-8-4 record. Askey would see more time in 2003-04, playing in 21 games with a 10-8-3 record then a 2-0 record in the playoffs, then following that with a 2004-05 season with a 10-6-2 record in 20 games.

With no gigs in North America, Askey went on a European vacation in 2005-06 season, playing first with HIFK Helsinki and going 9-5-5 in 21 games, then getting moved to Jokerit Helsinki; going 8-6-2 in 16 games. Askey also dabbled in the Swiss league that season; playing for HC Fribourg-Gotteron for six games with a 4-2 record, but then going 0-4 in the playoffs.

Askey would return to North America to play for the United Hockey League's Kalamazoo Wings for 2006-07 campaign, where he would get into 45 games, finishing with a 27-15-2 record, but having a 0-1 record in three playoff games.

One more shot for Askey, as he went over to Italy, first, playing with HC Alleghe for 11 games before moving all the way over to England to play for the Nottingham Panthers, where he would play 31 games; helping them win the Challenge Cup as champions of the Elite League.

After his playing career was done, Askey moved back to Kalamazoo and is actually working on some original music. While he doesn't have a record out yet, he does have some of his work on his MySpace page.

It was a bit of a travel for Askey and while the success didn't really outweigh the unsuccessful side of things, he seemed to still keep strumming along and rolling with the punches. And while he has another career with no guarantee of staying power, he's in it for the love of the art-form rather than the paycheck.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Jarmo Myllys

While the goaltenders of Finland nowadays were very sought after, back in the late-80s/early-90s-- that wasn't the case. Many of them had a rough transition period and could never get settled in, which is the case for this week's AGM. While he was part of the possible first Finnish tandem, it never really came together. This week, we profile the career of Jarmo Myllys.

Before we go forward, a note-- thanks to the apparent lack of record-keeping or technology in European hockey; the stats of Myllys when playing overseas are a bit sketch and therefore unavailable for most seasons.

When he first came into the scene in 1982-83, Myllys played for the Finnish Second-League team SaPKo Savonlinna, where he played for 13 games. That said, he didn't get more noticed than during the European Junior Championships, where he played four games with a 2.70 GAA. Due to his performance, Myllys was named Best Goaltender and to the All-Star team. For the 1983-84 season, Myllys went up to the premier league in Finland, SM-liiga, playing for Ilves Tampere, but only getting in nine appearances with a 3.00 GAA. Myllys would get back into the swing of things in the World Juniors of 1984, going 3-1-0 in four games for Finland, helping them to a Silver Medal. Myllys would play nine more games for Ilves Tampere, with a 2.55 GAA; but going only 1-0-0 in one appearance in the WJC.

For the 1985-86 season, Myllys played 16 games for Ilves Tampere; while in the 1986-87, Myllys would move over to Lukko Rauma, appearing in 43 games with a 16-20-7 record. Myllys also played in the World Hockey Championships, going 4-3-1 in eight games. That helped him get drafted in the 9th Round by the Minnesota North Stars. It was a banner year for Myllys in the 1987-88 season, where he would play in the Canada Cup for one game, then back to the Lukko Rauma for 43 games, which included five shutouts and a 3.13 GAA. Yet, his biggest accomplishment of the season was during the Olympics, where he would go 4-1-1 in six games, leading Finland to a Silver Medal. Myllys would end the year with Finnish Player of the Year honors and named to the Finnish First Team All-Stars.

Myllys made the leap to North America for the 1988-89 season, starting off with the North Stars. However, with three losses in his first three appearances, Myllys was sent to the IHL's Kalamazoo Wings, playing in 28 games with a 13-8-4 record. Myllys would finish that season with a 1-4-0 record with the North Stars. The 1989-90 season would be a breakout in the IHL for Myllys, as he would go 31-9-3 in 49 appearances, which got him named to the IHL's Second Team All-Star roster. Myllys would also play in four games for the North Stars, but would go 0-3-0. Myllys started the 1990-91 season with the North Stars for three games on their French Tour, then for two games in the regular season. However, going 0-2-0, Myllys was sent back to Kalamazoo; where he would excel again compiling a 24-13-1 record in 38 games; then going 6-4 in the playoffs. It was another year for Second Team All-Star honors for Myllys.

However, during the Expansion/Dispersal Draft of 1991, Myllys was claimed be the expansion San Jose Sharks. Myllys would have an up and down year, going 3-18-1 in 27 games for the Sharks, but going 5-0-0 with the Kansas City Blades of the IHL.

Myllys was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the summer of 1992, but decided to return to Finland for the 1992-93 season, with KooKoo Kouvola of the Finnish Second League-- going 27-13-5 in 45 games. Myllys would return to Lukko Rauma for the 1993-94 season, where he would go 26-16-4 in his 46 games of work, as well as returning to the Olympics in 1994, going 5-0-0 with two shutouts and a 0.60 GAA; helping the Finns to a Bronze Medal. Myllys would also play in the World Championships, playing in seven games helping the Finns to a Silver Medal.

From the 1994-95 season until the 2000-01 season, Myllys would play 284 games with Lulea HF; compiling 31 shutouts and ending with a 2.59 GAA in those games. However, like I mentioned at the start-- no records from those years sadly.

However, the international play helped Myllys' career for records, as he would represent Finland plenty. It started with the 1995 World Championships, as Myllys went 5-1-1 in seven games, leading the Finns to their first ever Gold Medal in the event. Myllys took home the Best Goaltender honors in the tournament, as well. However, in the 1996 World Championships-- Myllys went 0-2-2 in four games, as the Finns would bow out in the Quarterfinals. Myllys went to the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, but would go 1-1-0 in two games, as Finland was knocked out in the Quarters again. The 1997 World Championships had Myllys get some swagger back, going 4-2-0 in six games with a 1.67 GAA, but they did not past the Quarters again. The 1998 Olympics wouldn't give Myllys the super skills he had in Olympics past, as he would go 1-3-0 in four games, but would be rostered on the Bronze Medal team. Myllys played two games in the 1998 World Championships with a 1-1-0 record and would add another Silver Medal to his showroom. It wouldn't be until the 2001 World Championship that Myllys would be back with Finland, but he would only be a spare and not play in any games for the Finns, as they would take home Silver.

Myllys return to the SM-liiga for the 2001-02 season with Blues Espoo, playing in 46 games with a 19-19-7 record, then 0-3 in the playoffs. Back with Espoo in the 2002-03 season, Myllys would only see 19 games of action with an 8-5-5 record, then 3-4 for seven games in the playoffs. The 2003-04 season saw Myllys return to SaiPa Lappeenranta, playing in 34 games with a 9-15-7 record, as well as seeing seven games of action with HV 71 Jonkoping of the Swedish Elite League. Myllys would go back to Finland with SaiPa Lappeenranta for the 2004-05 season, where he would put together a 10-25-10 second in 45 games. After that, he would hang up the pads in his playing career.

Myllys would stay with SaiPa Lappeenranta as the goalie coach, which is where he's at today.

While he could never get adapted to the North American game despite trying as much as he could-- the success he had for his country is something that many of the European players hold in higher regard, even to this day. With a Gold and a couple of Silvers and Bronzes with Suomi; Myllys can hang his hat on bringing pride to his country on the highest of stages.

Make It Nine Outdoor Games

In what could be the biggest gimmick to not die since the Brooklyn Brawler....there's yet ANOTHER outdoor game going on. The Connecticut Whale (nee Hartford Wolf Pack) announced that they would be holding an outdoor game against the Providence Bruins as part as Whalers Hockey Fest 2011 on February 19th.

So, let's see what kind of count we have for outdoor games this year:

AJHL: November 26th, 2010: Drayton Valley Thunder at Fort McMurray Oil Barons
NCAA: December 4th, 2010: Concordia University at Adrian College Bulldogs
NCAA: December 11th, 2010: Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines
NHL: January 1st, 2011: Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
WHL: January 15th, 2011: Kootenay Ice at Spokane Chiefs
Finnish Elite: February 5th, 2011: Jokerit at HIFK
AHL: February 19th, 2011: Providence Bruins at Connecticut Whale
NHL: February 20th, 2011: Montreal Canadiens at Calgary Flames
WHL: February 21st, 2011: Regina Pats at Calgary Hitmen

So, how Henry Winkler isn't going to every game to jump over the rinks-- because this idea has truly jumped the shark because it's a nice little cash grab. You know it's out of hand when the Central League and Southern Professional League get into the mix below the Mason-Dixon Line. Plus, you can bet there's going to be a Russian game, as they have done it in the past-- so it's getting to the breaking point. Sad, because it could have been something special-- now it's oversaturated.

Yet Another Outdoor Game

As I was cruising the CCSLC message boards and I came across this thread and it made me shake my head.

That's right, it's another outdoor game, this time in Finland. I guess I can get into this one more than the flock that seems to be happening in Western North America. I mean, Jokerit and HIFK are two of the more notable teams to come out of Finland and this should be more than just a novelty. It's a season game and the game poster is pretty bitchin', I won't lie.

However, that said-- I'll always be against regular season games outside. Sure, it's nice and all; but it could be an important game in the end for the standings and you could lose a big name player because the ice is messed up. Granted, that could happen from a regular game at a control rink-- but if you want to make it special; do it like the KHL does and make it the All-Star Game, where players know that it's not going to be intense and it's not going to be for anything in the standings-- less of a chance for injury. Plus, you get all the stars in one place and not just two teams fighting it out.

This is just another in a long line of games that will be held out in the elements and it could work out better in Finland than other places because it always seems cold there, even in summer.....or not; I've never been-- would like to, though. In any case-- enjoy it Finnish folks, it should be a riot.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Tom Draper

This week, we look at a guy who definitely went with the most unique experience before getting to the NHL that we've probably had before. Despite being drafted, going to NCAA, he chose to go overseas before touching the ice of a NHL rink. Yet, much like all the other AGMs; he had some struggles despite success before heading into the NHL ranks. This week, we look at Tom Draper.

Draper first got noticed while playing midget AAA hockey in Quebec with Lac St-Louis Lions, going 17-4-4 as a 15-year-old in 25 games. When he got to his 16-year-old age, he got 28 games, but with a 15-8-5 record over the season. In the 1983-84 season, Draper started his freshman year at the University of Vermont, where he would see 20 games in his debut season, going 8-12-0 in those games. His sophomore year was a little shakier, with a 5-17-0 record in 24 appearances. Even with that shaky season, Draper was selected in the 8th Round of the 1985 Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets. Draper would continue with Vermont, shaping up in his junior year, playing 29 games and posting a 15-12-1 record, which got him a spot on the 1986 ECAC First All-Star Team. His senior season was a crowning moment, where he would put up a 16-13-0 record in 29 games, once again getting First All-Star Team honors, and got Vermont in the ECAC playoffs, even though they got smoked by St. Lawrence.

While Draper could have went to minor pro, Draper decided to take a European vacation, heading over to Finland with Tappara Tampere for the 1987-88 season. Draper got accustomed to the difference of play, going 16-3-9 in his 28 games in the regular season, while going 7-3 in the playoffs leading Tampere to the 1988 SM-Liiga title.

Draper would move back over the Atlantic Ocean to play in the AHL first with the Moncton Hawks of the AHL to start the 1988-89 season. He would play well with Moncton, getting 57 games in, going 27-17-5 in those games while going 5-2 in the playoffs; despite Moncton losing in the Division Finals. Draper would also get a call-up to the Winnipeg Jets late in the season, going 1-1-0 in his two appearances. The 1989-90 season saw Draper start the season with Winnipeg, but would only play six games with a 2-4 record before heading back to Moncton. While in Moncton, Draper would play 51 games and go 20-24-3 in those appearances. The 1990-91 season was an odd one, as Draper would start with Moncton; playing 30 games with a 15-13-2 record.

In February of 1991, Draper would be traded from Winnipeg to the St. Louis Blues for future consideration. Draper was sent to the IHL's Fort Wayne Komets for 10 games, going 5-3-1 before being sent to the Peoria Rivermen for 10 games, going 6-3-1, while going 2-1 in four playoff games.

The summer of 1991 was an adventure one, as Draper was sent from St. Louis, back to Winnipeg for the same future considerations. Then Draper was sent from Winnipeg to the Buffalo Sabres for even more future considerations. Draper would start of with the Rochester Americans in the 1991-92 season, playing in nine games with a 4-3-2 record before being called-up to the Sabres to back-up Clint Malarchuk. Draper would see 26 games in the NHL with a 10-9-5 record, while being the go-to guy in the playoffs, going 3-4 in seven games in the post-season. The 1992-93 season would see Draper bounce from Rochester to Buffalo and have to deal with some injuries. Draper would only play five games (3-2-0) in Rochester and 11 games (5-6-0) in Buffalo for the year.

Before the start of the 1993-94 season, Draper was traded from the Sabres to the New York Islanders for a conditional draft pick. He would start out with the Islanders, but would go 1-3-0 in seven games before being shipped to the IHL's Salt Lake Golden Eagles, playing in 35 games and ending with a dismal 7-23-3 record to show.

Draper would return to Manitoba for the 1994-95 season, but with the Manitoba Moose of the IHL. He would play in 53 games for the Moose with a 25-20-6 record and went 0-2 in his two playoffs games.

Draper would stay in the IHL for the 1995-96 season, playing with the Milwaukee Admirals. He would appear in 31 games, with a 14-12-3 record. Draper would get to suit up in the NHL once again, as the Winnipeg Jets signed him as an emergency goalie for one game in December of 1995 and would get a no-decision in relief of former AGM, Tim Cheveldae.

As no other NHL jobs would come, Draper would stick with the IHL, playing with the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the 1996-97 season. Draper would go 28-7-3 for the year and get the Ice Dogs withing a couple games of the Turner Cup championship, but lost in six games to the Detroit Vipers. The 1997-98 season saw Draper head to Quebec to the play for the Quebec Rafales for 43 games with a 15-22-4 record before he was shipped to the Cleveland Lumberjacks. With the Lumberjacks, Draper played nine regular season games with a 4-2-2 record while going 5-5 in 10 playoff games.

For the 1998-99 season, Draper would jump back onto the Rochester Americans roster to back-up Martin Biron. Draper would see 26 games of regular season games and chalk up a 14-9-3 record, while playing in two playoff games with no-decisions in either. Biron and Draper would collect the Hap Holmes Trophy for fewest-goals-against during the season.

Without much in North America, Draper would head back to where it all began in Finland, playing the 1999-2000 season with Lukko Rauma. With Lukko, Draper would get some spark back, going 27-17-7 with six shutouts. After a year with Lukko (insert Suzanne Vega reference here), Draper would head to the Espoo Blues for the 2000-01 season, but would see his playing time reduced to only 35 games with a 13-15-6 record. Draper went back to where he started with Tappara Tampere for the 2001-02 season and would have a career year. Draper would play 50 games and post a 29-13-8 record with nine shutouts for the season, while going 7-3 in ten playoff games. It was another team for Draper in the 2002-03 season, as he would join HIFK Helsinki for seven games, going 2-2-2 before heading back to North America.

Draper would get a chance in the UHL first with the Adirondack IceHawks, where he would play five games with a 3-1-0 before going onto the ECHL. Draper would play with the Toledo Storm for four games with a 3-1-0 record before moving on the Augusta Lynx, playing in 17 games with a 6-5-2 record to end out the well-traveled 2002-03 campaign. Draper would play one more game with the UHL IceHawks for the 2003-04 season, which he would win before hanging up the pads for good.

Currently, Draper works as an Account Manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises while he also worked as a goalie coach for the Binghamton Junior C Senators. Apparently, he is quite the character to his family, as he freestyles while in front of them. There has been no official confirmation or denial of said free-styling.

It seems to be quite the interesting travel schedule that Draper had, especially heading to the European route before heading to the North American pro ranks. But, Draper did get to experience every facet of the hockey world both domestic and abroad. Plus, he got to know many teams as he did play with many teams in his short professional career, which could have been something that is high on the list of what he was able to take away from it all.

"Sharks Are Pro-Antii Niemi" or "Faith No More For Greiss"

Nick Kypreos was the first to break it, but it seems Antii Niemi is now a member of the San Jose Sharks, reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $2M deal that'll see him duel with fellow countryman Antero Niittymaki for time in the crease and to see how many "i's" they can put into their names.

Now, the thing with this is two-fold. Why would the Sharks be stocking up on goalies, especially for a one-year deal?? Do they lack that much faith in Thomas Greiss as a back-up that they're making him stay in the AHL for another season?? While it could be that, maybe they've lost faith in Greiss and are waiting for Alex Stalock or Tyson Sexsmith to grab the ball and run with it as the back-up to Niittymaki next season.

Plus, how does it feel to be Niittymaki right now?? You go from being the top guy and being able to not have to challenge for any starts to fighting game-by-game, practice-by-practice to get some playing time. Granted, it seems that when in a battle, Niittymaki really shines-- much like he did when dueling with Mike Smith for time in the Tampa net and during his tenure in Philadelphia, when he was healthy.

As for Niemi, I'm sure he's happy he doesn't have to go back to Finland or elsewhere to pick up his playing career and he gets to stay in the Western Conference, where he'll face his old team more than once in the season. Of course, we'll see what he's made out of during the season, just to see whether or not he was a fluke who played behind a great team or if he can hold his own should the team in front of him comes up short.

If nothing else, for the Sharks; this could give them a nice little two-headed monster in net should everything pan out as they hope. Also, it renews the hope that the Sharks have in Finnish goaltenders, as we've seen in the past with Vesa Toskala, Miikka Kiprusoff, and who could forget Jarmo Myllys. I mean, yes, only Kiprusoff has taken off to great heights, but still. The Sharks love the obscure Germans and Finns in net. Hopefully, this will get them to the next level and not make them wish they had re-signed Evgeni Nabokov.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Pasi Nurminen

The thing with goalies in the late-90s and early-00s is that some of them are becoming more and more absurd by being one-hit-wonders or retiring early due to injury. The latter is the subject of this week's AGM. He was a promising goalie coming up through the ranks in Finland, then bursting onto the scene in the AHL, but due to a clog in the system and then a severe injury playing overseas during the lockout; his playing days are now a memory. This week I'll take a look at Pasi Nurminen.

Nurminen started his career out in his native Finland with his hometown organization in Lahti, bouncing between the junior ranks and the Tier II league in Finland for the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. It wasn't until the 1995-96 season where Nurminen got plenty of playing time with Kettera Imatra of the Tier II Division in Finland, playing 36 games, only going 8-21-8 with a 3.97 GAA for the year. Nurminen went back to the Lahti Pelicans for the 1996-97 season, playing 30 games that year with a 2.40 GAA. Nurminen had a breakout season in the 1997-98 campaign with the Pelicans going 16-7-4 with a 1.65 GAA and seven shutouts.

Nurminen was able to get a good look in the Finnish Elite League with HPK Hameenlinna in the 1998-99 season, where he would play 48 games and compile a 24-17-6 record with a 2.71 GAA. With the constant movement in Finland, Nurminen went to Jokerit Helsinki in the 1999-2000; again playing 48 games with a 24-14-9 record, a 2.25 GAA, and six shutouts and got him the Urpo Ylönen Trophy as top goaltender award for the year. Nurminen returned to Jokerit for the 2000-01 season and did even better, going 30-11-6 in 52 games with five shutouts and a 2.16 GAA. Nurminen went on to play for Finland in the World Championships, helping Sumoi get a silver medal. That season was enough for Nurminen to get noticed by NHL teams, which got him drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the sixth round in the 2001 Draft.

After getting drafted, Nurminen went over to North America immediately for the 2001-02 season, playing with the Thrashers AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. He had to fight for time, only playing 20 games in the regular season, going 9-9-1 behind Norm Maracle. Nurminen got a call-up for nine games, going 2-5-0 with the Thrashers. Also, Nurminen got a call to the Olympics, playing one game and winning it, as the Finns finished 6th. The AHL playoffs, however, were a different story, as Nurminen had the hot hand. He would play in 21 games for the Wolves in the playoffs, going 15-5 and helping the Wolves to the Calder Cup championship. He was awarded the Jack Butterfield Trophy for playoff MVP.

After that display, Nurminen got the call in the 2002-03 season for the lowly Thrashers and did well for his first starting tenure in the NHL, after former AGM Byron Dafoe faltered for the Thrashers. In his first year, Nurminen played in 52 games going 21-19-5 as the starter and looked to build off that for the 2003-04 season. That season saw Nurminen getting more time in, playing 64 games and went 25-30-7, but with a 2.78 GAA to show. One moment in the season was during a February 2004 game where he and Ty Conklin got into a fight at center ice during a line-brawl. While it was fun for him, he filled in for Dafoe after Dafoe pulled his groin and left the game; thus the Thrashers had to play the last 1:49 without a goalie.

During the lockout of 2004-05, Nurminen went back to Finland to play for the Lahti Pelicans, playing 16 games and going 2-7-6. Nurminen got a better chance to go to Sweden to play with the IF Malmo Redhawks, playing 30 games there with a 2.94 GAA and three shutouts. However, during that season-- Nurminen suffered a serious knee injury, serious enough for him to retire from pro hockey after that season, especially considering that fellow countryman Kari Lehtonen was the next big thing for the Thrashers.

Currently, Nurminen is a partial owner of the Lahti Pelicans in order to stay close to home and is the goaltending consultant for the team.

For many who called him "Nothing Saw" Pasi Nurminen, he did have a nice resume before getting to the NHL and because of someone younger and better coming up through the ranks, coupled with a serious injury for a goalie, made him fall by the wayside before anyone could see his full potential in his play. Even so, you could say he was one of the first to start the movement of solid Finnish goaltenders, even though he was only in the NHL for two seasons. Even so, he's now forever enshrined as part of the AGM family.

Don't Czech Out Until It's Finnish-ed

The boys of the FOHS and I were talking about a pool that Marc "With a 'C'" is in when it comes to the Olympics. While he could only pick four skaters and two goalies-- it seemed that we all overlooked a couple teams at the start of it. However, looking at the rosters; it's a shock these two teams-- Czech Republic and Finland-- are being as discounted as they are.

Sure, you have being overshadowed by other powerhouses, but both Czech Republic and Finland could be the upset special, even though they are not full-fledged sleepers like Switzerland, Germany, or Belarus may be considered. You could almost put the Slovaks in there, but I think they're another Games away before you can consider them in this mid-level threat. Hell, Finland won the silver medal and the Czechs won the bronze in 2006 and there's little to no respect for them.

Let's start with the Finns, who had four of the six top tournament player (Antero Niittymaki, Kimmo Timonen, Saku Koivu, and Teemu Selanne) in 2006, while also having five of the top-10 leading scorers (Selanne, Koivu, Ville Peltonen, Olli Jokinen, and Jere Lehtinen). The big knock could be a lot of these players are back and have gotten older and lost that scoring touch they once had; yet they seem more like a full team than most units out there. There's a small younger stride, but the old-guard could be a downfall-- as well as the smaller rink. At the same time, their goaltending is superb on paper. They tandem of Niittymaki, Niklas Backstrom, and Miikka Kiprusoff could be one of the best trios rostered in the games, maybe next to the Canadians. They'll be playing a tight-checking game because they probably won't be as fast, but if they can get top-notch goaltending, they'll win a lot of 1-0, 2-1 games.

Moving onto the Czech, they have a lot of forward who were born in the early to mid 80s, while having the likes of Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias as the old guard. While it might not be a youth movement, the players they have; Martin Havlat, Martin Erat, Tomas Plekanec are pretty much in their prime in terms of age. You also have a younger side of Tomas Fleischmann and Milan Michalek who can score in there as well. A grab-bag of players who can actually contribute constantly. On defense, they have a solid older side with Pavel Kubina and Filip Kuba, but the guy to make some noise could be Zbynek Michalek, who is having a solid year defensively in Phoenix. The one question could be consistency in net, with Tomas Vokoun and Ondrej Pavelec as the tandem. They have the ability to hold a team into it, but if they shelled-- it could spell disaster for the Czech team.

In the end, we'll have to see what goes down when it comes to the Olympics, because if a team gets on a hot-streak at the right time, we could have another situation where it's all out of whack by the time we get to the medal rounds. When you look up and down, these two teams are going to be overlooked, even if they have a great mix in their rosters and could play more like a team and other nations. The team dynamic could the be the one intangible that these two teams use in order to get them to the medal rounds once again.